HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 cc486-7W
Sir Irvine Patnick

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the enterprise zones created in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [39559]

Sir Paul Beresford

I have been asked to reply.

In the last three years, the enterprise zones created have been east midlands, Dearne Valley and east Durham—all designated in 1995—and Tyne riverside which is in the process of being designated this year.

Since the enterprise zone scheme was introduced in 1981, the Government have developed a range of alternative schemes to promote regeneration and growth. These are generally better targeted and can be implemented more rapidly than the enterprise zones scheme which, in part as a result of EC regulations, can take up to three years to designate. Enterprise zones can affect economic activity over wide areas through displacement effects and are not the appropriate regeneration measure in most circumstances. In December 1987, the Government announced that the enterprise zone scheme would not be extended other than in exceptional circumstances.